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Execute a luxury beach resorts California search, and you will be presented with a number of alluring choices. The only issue is which resort to ultimately select when trying to plan that upscale California beach vacation. Things to consider during the selection process include amenities and facilities. Also important are the available services, the activity options, and of course location.

The Golden State quite simply boasts some of the best beaches in the United States, and there are plenty of luxury beach retreats that take advantage of this. The most popular California beaches are found in the southern part of the state, so as you might suspect, the southern region is also home to the majority of the state’s top luxury beach resorts. This doesn’t mean that discerning travelers should overlook the north, however. There are several good choices along the northern coast as well, with the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay being just one example.

Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay at One Miramontes Point Road enjoys a bluff top location that is hard to find fault with. The ocean views are amazing, there are sandy beaches at the bottom of the bluffs, and a little over 20 miles to the north lies the San Francisco International Airport. Getting there isn’t difficult, though leaving might be something entirely different. After all, the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay offers plenty of charms. These charms include two immaculate golf courses, an indulgent spa, a pair of delightful restaurants, and a wine and cheese bar that can make for a fine place to whittle away the time. Among the other property highlights are six tennis courts, a heated indoor pool, a business center, a fitness center, and ample event space. As for the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay accommodations, they come in the form of elegant rooms and suites. There are 261 total units, and it should be noted that some offer their own fire pit terraces.

Terranea Resort

Terranea Resort

Travelers who are more interested in Southern California luxury beach escapes might start their lodging searches with the Terranea Resort. Found at 100 Terranea Way in the Los Angeles suburb of Rancho Palos Verdes, this oceanfront retreat surely isn’t lacking in the location department. It also manages to impress on the accommodation and facility levels. There are actually five different accommodation categories at the Terranea Resort, and they include rooms, suites, bungalows, casitas, and villas. In reference to the facilities, they include a 50,000-square-foot spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a wonderful par 3 golf course, and an impressive collection of restaurants and lounges. As you might expect, the Terranea offers 24-hour room service, and as is also common with luxury resorts in general, guests can make use of some very appealing event venues.

Huntington Beach Hyatt Regency

Huntington Beach Hyatt Regency

Certainly worth considering during a luxury beach resorts California search in the south is the Huntington Beach Hyatt Regency. Found in Huntington Beach, this resort at 21500 Pacific Coast Highway offers wonderful beach access. That’s not all that there is to like, however. The attractive Spanish-inspired architecture is inviting, and guests can take advantage of such things as a heated pool, a full service spa, various dining establishments, and a fun gaming arcade. Add in all the great Orange County attractions that are within easy reach, and it becomes even more clear that Huntington Beach Hyatt Regency guests should have little trouble keeping busy. In relation to the rooms and suites, there are 517 to choose from, and standard amenities include luxurious bedding, high-speed internet access, comfortable bathrobes, large flat screen TVs, marble baths, and safes to store valuables in while you’re out.

Montage Laguna Beach

Montage Laguna Beach

Orange County is easily one of the top places to look when trying to plan that next great luxury beach resorts California escape. Many of the state’s very best beachfront resorts are found in the OC. One such example is the Montage Laguna Beach (pictured at top). As the name suggests, this upscale resort par excellence more specifically calls Laguna Beach home. The address is 30801 South Coast Highway, and much like the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, the setting is pure bluff top bliss. Pathways lead from the main resort grounds to some very delectable beaches below, and should you prefer, you can swim or soak up the warm California sun at the main outdoor pool. Other reasons why the Montage Laguna Beach has little trouble attracting guests include its tasteful Craftsman-inspired architecture, the delightfully elegant nature of its accommodations, its splendid spa, and its family friendly aspects.

Pelican Hill Resort

Pelican Hill Resort

No discussion about luxury California beach resorts would be complete without mentioning the Pelican Hill Resort. Opened in 2009, this award-winning Newport Beach resort masterfully blends the allure of an "Italian Seaside Village" with that of sunny Southern California. Guests are also likely to find favor with the abundant activity options, the amazing Coliseum Pool, the sumptuous bungalows, the equally-appealing villa rentals, and everything else that the Pelican Hill Resort has to offer. That everything else includes three golf courses, a golf academy, a rejuvenating spa, a divine array of dining establishments, another immaculate pool that is reserved for villa guests, and excellent event venues. Put it all together, and it is little wonder that this Newport Coast resort at 22701 Pelican Hill Road South is widely considered to be one of the very best beach resorts in the United States.

Hotel del Coronado

Hotel del Coronado

The Hotel del Coronado has long counted itself among the top California beach resorts. This luxurious San Diego area retreat was actually built during the Gilded Age–1888 to be more exact–and it accordingly offers plenty of historic charm. So much so that it was designated as a National Historic Landmark. It certainly isn’t all about the historic charm, however. The Hotel del Coronado offers more than its fair share of modern conveniences, and the island setting is hard to find fault with. Widely considered to be one of the best places to have a California wedding, the Hotel del Coronado is also ideal for business meetings and other private events. Of course, many guests simply come to kick back, relax, and get away from work. 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA, is the Hotel del Coronado address, so regardless of the reason for booking a stay, guests will be close to all the great San Diego attractions.

L’Auberge del Mar Resort

L’Auberge del Mar Resort

The L’Auberge del Mar Resort in Del Mar, California is another premier option for travelers who are interested in upscale San Diego area beach resorts. Situated at 1540 Camino Del Mar, the resort is certainly a good fit for beach enthusiasts. A private path actually leads to the sand. Back on the main grounds, guests can swim in an attractive pool, and there is the option to rent one of the inviting poolside cabanas. Two lighted tennis courts, a welcoming spa, and an award-winning signature restaurant also count themselves among the facilities that can be found on the L’Auberge del Mar Resort grounds, and within easy reach are the shops and restaurants of Del Mar village. Also of interest when it comes to the general area are Torrey Pines State Beach, the renowned Del Mar Race Track, and the area golf courses. Regardless of your activity preference, the L’Auberge del Mar Resort concierge can help you plan it all out.